The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally ended their five-match losing streak in the IPL 2025 by
defeating the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at their home ground. This win marks CSK’s second
victory in seven matches, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign.
India batting coach Sanjay Bangar felt while it wasn’t a smooth win, it was nevertheless good to
see CSK get back into the winning rhythm.
Strategic Changes In The Team
CSK made significant changes to their lineup. To everybody’s surprise veteran spinner
Ravichandran Ashwin was replaced with all-rounder Jamie Overton, to add depth in the batting
as well as bowling. Apart from Ashwin, Devon Conway too was replaced by 20 year old Shaik
Rasheed. These adjustments yielded immediate results, with CSK restricting LSG to 42-2 during
the powerplay and scoring 59-1 in their own powerplay.
Match Highlights
Dhoni won the toss and chose to bowl first. CSK’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance,
with Ravindra Jadeja taking 2 wickets for 24 runs, while Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj
each claiming a wicket during the powerplay. This helped them to restrict LSG to a score of 167.
Chasing a target of 167, CSK’s innings were anchored by Rachin Ravindra, who scored a brisk
37, along with debutant Shaik Rasheed, who impressed with 27 runs. While the team struggled
in the middle phase of their innings, Shivam Dube with an unbeaten 43 off 37 balls played a
crucial knock along with Dhoni, who steered the chase with a match-winning 26* off 11 balls.
Dhoni’s Records
Dhoni’s Heroics not just helped CSK win the match but it also earned him the Player of the
Match award, which came as a surprise to Dhoni himself. Batters struggled in middle phase.
With this Dhoni, at 43 years became the oldest player in history to get player of the match
award.
His behind the stump work also mesmerized cricket lovers. This has helped him become the
player with the highest fielding dismissals in IPL history at 200 dismissals which he reached by
taking Rishab Pant’s catch.
Looking Ahead
Despite this win CSK remains at the bottom of the 10-team league. However the CSK fans will
be hopeful that this victory injects new life into CSK’s season, propelling their performances in
the upcoming matches. Do you think CSK can rise from the bottom to reach the playoffs?
